Prague Congress Centre Breaks Ground on Major Expansion to Secure Future Growth

Prague Congress Centre (PCC) has officially launched one of the most significant development projects in its 45-year history, breaking ground on a new Exhibition Hall that will substantially increase the venue's capacity and strengthen Prague's position among the world's leading congress destinations.

The ceremonial laying of the foundation stone brought together PCC leadership, representatives of the City of Prague, project partners and architects behind the ambitious development. Once completed in 2028, the new facility will add 5,000 square metres of flexible exhibition space, enabling Prague to host major international congresses that have previously exceeded the venue's capacity.

The project represents an investment of approximately CZK 1.35 billion and is designed to meet growing demand from international associations and event organisers seeking larger, more integrated congress facilities.

New capacity for world-class events

The new Exhibition Hall will be fully integrated into the existing PCC campus, adding 5,000 m² of net exhibition space that can be divided into five independent sections. Combined with the venue's existing network of 70 halls and meeting rooms, the development will create a comprehensive congress campus capable of hosting large-scale international events entirely under one roof.

Upon completion, the total exhibition capacity of Prague Congress Centre will increase to 21,000 m², allowing organisers to combine scientific programmes, exhibitions, networking events and gala dinners within a single venue.

"International congresses today are looking for much more than adequate capacity. Organisers expect flexible spaces, cutting-edge technology, sustainability and a strong destination experience. That is precisely what our new hall delivers. And the demand is not hypothetical. PCC already has enquiries from approximately fifteen world-class congresses, particularly in the field of medicine, whose organisation is directly contingent on the completion of the hall," says Lenka Žlebková, Chair of the Board and CEO of Prague Congress Centre
 

Investment backed by PCC and the City of Prague

The majority of the project's funding will come directly from PCC's own resources, with the venue allocating more than CZK 1 billion towards the development.

Additional support comes from the City of Prague, which approved a CZK 600 million capital contribution at the end of 2025. The funding package extends beyond the new Exhibition Hall and includes improvements to surrounding public spaces, upgrades to stage technology, energy-efficiency projects and the redevelopment of the southern car park.

"The City of Prague is investing in PCC's development with a clear objective: to strengthen Prague's long-term position as one of the world's leading congress destinations. Major congresses bring the city prestige, expertise, business connections and significant public revenue. The new hall is therefore not just an investment in PCC, but in the economy and reputation of Prague as a whole," says Zdeněk Kovářík, Prague City Councillor for Finance.

Construction is scheduled to begin in July, with the building structure expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and final delivery planned for September 2028.

Landmark architecture and sustainability focus

The project is being delivered by Czech construction company GEMO a.s., selected through an anonymous tender process.

Designed by Barcelona-based OCA Architects in collaboration with Prague's CMC Architects, the building emerged from an international architectural competition and aims to balance contemporary expansion with respect for the original architecture of the congress centre and its surrounding urban environment.

One of the project's defining features will be its striking architectural form — a suspended structure stretching almost 177 metres in length.

"The construction of the new Prague Congress Centre Exhibition Hall is of extraordinary importance to us. The hall has been designed in an unconventional form as a levitating tube nearly 177 metres long, which means the construction process requires careful coordination among all those involved. We are delighted to be part of a project that will expand the capabilities of Prague Congress Centre and create a new, high-quality public space for the residents and visitors of the capital," says Jaromír Uhýrek, founder, owner and CEO of GEMO a.s.

Sustainability has also been embedded into the project from the outset. The new hall is targeting LEED Gold certification and will incorporate rainwater harvesting systems, expanded green areas and a range of environmental measures designed to reduce the venue's long-term impact.
 

Benefits beyond the congress sector

The development will also reshape the surrounding public realm. Following completion of the Exhibition Hall, the northern terrace overlooking Prague Castle will be transformed into a new public space featuring a café, outdoor seating, a viewing platform and step-free access connecting directly to Vyšehrad metro station.

The improvements are intended to benefit not only congress delegates but also Prague residents and visitors.

"Congress tourism is of extraordinary importance for Prague. It is not only about economic benefit, but also about knowledge exchange, innovation and international connections. Congresses bring leading specialists from around the world to Prague and strengthen ties between Czech and international academic and business communities," says Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of the City of Prague.

Supporting Prague's global congress ambitions

The expansion comes as Prague continues to strengthen its position in the international meetings market. According to the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings, the Czech capital is now the sixth most popular congress destination in the world, ahead of cities including London, Copenhagen and Tokyo.

The new Exhibition Hall is expected to play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing that position. PCC has already identified multiple international congress opportunities that currently cannot be accommodated due to space limitations.

Beyond the meetings industry itself, the project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the wider city. Congress delegates typically spend considerably more than leisure visitors, supporting hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions, transport providers and local businesses throughout Prague.

With construction now underway, PCC's expansion marks a major investment not only in the future of the venue but also in Prague's continued growth as one of Europe's premier destinations for international congresses and business events.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.